Mustard Seed Thoughts #5

GRATITUDE

Did you know that there is an effective and an ineffective way to express gratitude?

Unfortunately, the ineffective way is far more common. It is sort of the default form of gratitude that most people fall into. I was stuck here for a really long time until I found a far more powerful way to practice gratitude, one that moved me into perfect alignment with abundance.

First, let me talk about the ineffective way to express gratitude. This is gratitude that you express that is related to what is happening in your life right now. It is closely related to the gratitude and appreciation we learn to express as children (i.e. to say thanks) and that is probably why it is often the default and why so many people get stuck here.

Ineffective gratitude includes things such as:
* your health
* your relationships
* your material possessions
* your friends and family
* a nice vacation

I am not saying that there is anything wrong with this form of gratitude. All I am saying is that it is not nearly as powerful as what I am about to show you.

Often the problem with the above form of gratitude is that it comes from a place of lack. If you have ever expressed gratitude while thinking "at least... I am healthy, or at least I have a great family" then you know what I mean.

This form of gratitude is extremely weak because it is based on the present circumstances. In other words, this form of gratitude is conditional. It makes it sound that you are grateful "only if you have good health, a great relationship, etc."

The second form of gratitude is complete in that it is a celebration of life itself, for all the experiences you are having. One other key difference is this: Effective gratitude comes from an underlying attitude vs. a temporary focus on one item or thing to be grateful for.

With practice, this holistic form of gratitude can become second nature. The more powerful form of gratitude includes items such as:
* your life
* this awesome world
* for being who you are
* for future events
* for problems, challenges, and hardships
* for your mistakes
* for your mind
* for your freedom

In other words, you become grateful for this amazing journey of your life regardless of what happens and where it takes you because you know that it is just right for you and that everything is happening for a reason.

When you are expressing effective gratitude, fear and loss disappear. There is no focus on any lack and when you reach this state, that is when abundance can truly start flowing into your life.

Being grateful for what you have in your life (your health, relationships, etc.) has its place. But when you start feeling truly grateful for everything that is happening in your life and open your heart, you will be amazed at how quickly the answers and solutions will come.

So, start creating these feelings now, even in the most unlikely or unpleasant circumstances and notice how you begin to attract whatever you focus on into your life.